Posted: October 15, 2022
Breast asymmetry happens when one breast differs from the other in size, shape, or position. In most cases, these differences are entirely cosmetic. It’s important to realize that many factors can cause asymmetry; therefore, very few women have perfectly symmetrical breasts. Still, it’s a characteristic that can result in diminished self-confidence and even emotional distress. Fortunately, there are numerous plastic surgery procedures that can fix asymmetrical breasts.
Common Causes of Breast Asymmetry
Breast asymmetry can occur for a wide range of reasons. It may be something that happens during puberty, develops due to other changes in your body, or appears because of external circumstances. It can be helpful to figure out what factors are at play in your specific situation.
Some of the most common causes of breast asymmetry include:
- Genetics
- Hormone changes
- Breastfeeding
- Underlying medical conditions
- Previous breast surgery
- Significant weight changes
- Injury
Of the underlying medical conditions that can result in breast asymmetry, cancer is not typically one of them. These conditions typically include juvenile breast hypertrophy, tubular breasts, amastia, and chest wall disorder. However, significant asymmetry that develops between breast exams — particularly in conjunction with dense tissue — may be cause for further evaluation.
Breast Asymmetry Treatments
Just as there are many causes of breast asymmetry, there are many different treatments. Keep in mind that surgical procedures are the most effective and long-lasting solutions to asymmetry. Non-surgical options are limited, fail to produce significant changes, and offer temporary results.
Effective surgical treatments for breast asymmetry include:
- Breast augmentation frequently can even out moderate differences in volume by simply placing implants of two different sizes.
- Breast lift to correct differences in breast position or address shape issues
- Breast reduction to decrease the size of an overly-large breast
- Combination of breast lifting, reduction and augmentation. Surgeons sometimes make the mistake of trying to correct asymmetry simply by using implants of different size, however a combination of lift/reduction and implants is many times more successful for long-term results.
Sometimes, just one of these procedures is enough to achieve a balanced effect. In other cases, combining breast surgeries will offer the most significant correction of asymmetry.
Finding The Right Solution For You
No two women have the same breasts. Variations in breast size, shape, and position can vary dramatically from one patient to the next. An in-person evaluation with an experienced plastic surgeon is the best way to determine which procedure will best meet your unique needs.
Call 480-767-7700 to schedule a consultation with board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. John Corey. He serves Scottsdale, Phoenix, Gilbert, Mesa, Chandler, and Arizona.